The return of the marines will likely mend what has become a serious rift between Rome and New Delhi, says GlobalPost's senior India correspondent, Jason Overdorf.

"But it remains to be seen how Italy's hardball negotiations will affect the sailors in court," Overdorf added. "In calling for India to respect internationally recognized ideals of human rights, Rome almost certainly was thinking of the right to a fair and speedy trial. And in India, accused routinely spend years in jail before their cases are ever resolved."